Kabuto-yama is a mountain lying in the south of Yonezawa City. When the Uesugi Clan established a base in Yonezawa, Naoe Kanetsugu climbed up Kabuyama in preparation. From there he looked down at the city and decided where houses, roads, and even dams would be placed.
Although the distance from the trailhead to the summit is rather short, the trail just keeps on going up. From the summit you can see Yonezawa to the north, and the Azuma Renpo and the Tengendai Highland to the east. There is a road running from north to south that lines up with Kabuto-yama perfectly. This shows how much of an influence Kanetsugu had on the city even to this day.
Tsunagi Trail (1 hour 50 one-way)
From the carpark, cross the Kabuto bridge and follow the forest path for a short while. There is a junction along the road where you take a right. You will then follow a stream and take a left at the busted sign. Cross the river and you will come out at a ridge to climb up with some rope sections. There are some areas of thick bush along the way to keep in mind. The view from the summit is good enough to help you forget your fatigue. When the weather is conducive you can see not only Yonezawa City and the Azuma Renpo, but the Iide and Asahi Renpo as well.
Access is via a sealed road. There is enough space for about 20 cars at the unsealed carpark near the trailhead.